High Point University Welcomes Largest Freshmen Class Ever

HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 15, 2007 - High Point University enters its 84th academic year this weekend with record freshman enrollment -- 736 -- shattering last year’s class of 534 ... a 36 percent increase over 2006 and 76 percent increase over 2005.

"Interest in High Point University is exploding," says President Nido Qubein. "We are working hard to improve upon this great university, and people are taking notice. Campus visits are up 30 percent year-to-date; inquiries are up 30 percent. Every statistic is pointing upward and we couldn't be more pleased."

This year's freshman class boasts a mean SAT score of 32 points higher than last year's. Seventy-three percent of freshmen are from out-of-state and 59 percent are female with 41 percent male. A huge number --1,100 -- of interested students applied Early Decision or Early Action, which all took place prior to last Thanksgiving.

On Friday and Saturday, new students – freshmen and transfers – move into their residence halls. Returning students move back in on Sunday and Monday. Every student on campus will find the transformation of High Point University well under way, including the completion of the highly anticipated Slane Student Center, featuring extensive fitness equipment, a variety of dining options, an indoor basketball court and outdoor swimming pool. The Steele Sports Center and a new residence hall for upperclassmen -- York Hall -- which is modeled after the very popular Blessing Residence Hall for freshmen, are open as well. York Hall houses 200 bedrooms arranged in 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom suites. Every other residence hall on campus received significant renovations over the summer.

A host of orientation activities are planned for students including a luau, Vegas night, bowling night, outdoor movie, activities fair and Panthers soccer. President Qubein will address the new class during Opening Convocation on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Millis Center; students will hear from motivational speaker, mountaineer and educator Will Cross at 7 p.m. Aug. 19; academic integrity and the honor code will be discussed on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m.; and hypnotist Kevin Hurley will perform at 9 p.m. on Aug. 22. An Orientation Ecumenical Worship Service for students and parents will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 19 in Hayworth Chapel. Classes begin Aug. 22.

At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 50 countries and 44 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report 12th among comprehensive universities in the South and in the top 100 nationally. The university offers 68 undergraduate majors, 33 minors and five graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.